Our Summary

Tonsillectomies, or surgeries to remove tonsils, are common procedures, with over 14,000 performed in Ontario every year. However, many patients struggle with taking care of themselves at home after the surgery, leading to visits to the emergency department. In 2013, a health council in Ontario suggested that patients should be educated about their care after a tonsillectomy. This study looked at existing educational resources for patients, to understand how they could be best used.

The researchers found 335 articles on the subject and ended up using 10 of them in their study. The resources they studied included booklets given to patients before their surgery, a smartphone app, text message programs, a video program, an online resource and programs aimed at caregivers. Some of these resources were found to decrease the number of visits to the emergency department and reduce patient anxiety and pain. However, others didn’t seem to have any effect.

In conclusion, the researchers found mixed results about whether educating patients before their surgery helps with outcomes afterwards. More research is needed to understand how these educational programs can be best used in healthcare settings.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the educational resources currently available for pre-tonsillectomy care?
  2. How effective are pre-tonsillectomy education programs on perioperative outcomes?
  3. What further research is needed to better understand the utility of pre-tonsillectomy education programs?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to ensure proper hydration and rest during the recovery period. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and to avoid strenuous activities that could potentially cause bleeding or delay healing. Additionally, following the post-operative care instructions provided by the healthcare team can help facilitate a smoother recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include those with recurrent tonsillitis (multiple episodes per year), obstructive sleep apnea, chronic tonsillitis that does not respond to antibiotics, and complications such as difficulty swallowing or breathing. Children with enlarged tonsils that are causing problems with breathing and swallowing may also be candidates for tonsillectomy. Ultimately, the decision to recommend tonsillectomy is made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider after considering the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

  • Before tonsillectomy:
  1. Patient meets with their healthcare provider to discuss the need for tonsillectomy and the procedure itself.
  2. Patient may undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations.
  3. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, including fasting before surgery.
  4. Patient may be given educational materials or resources to help prepare for the surgery and post-operative care.
  • After tonsillectomy:
  1. Patient undergoes the tonsillectomy procedure.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.
  3. Patient is given instructions on post-operative care, including pain management, diet restrictions, and activity limitations.
  4. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing in the days following surgery.
  5. Patient may have a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery.
  6. Patient may experience improvements in symptoms that led to the tonsillectomy, such as recurrent throat infections or sleep apnea.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tonsillectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tonsillectomy?
  2. What is the recovery process like after a tonsillectomy?
  3. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before and after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to fully recover from the surgery?
  6. Are there any restrictions on activities or diet following the surgery?
  7. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication or infection?
  8. How can I manage pain and discomfort after the surgery?
  9. When should I follow up with you after the surgery?
  10. Are there any resources or educational materials available to help me prepare for the surgery and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Levin M, Seligman NL, Hardy H, Mohajeri S, Maclean JA. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Jul;122:6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.03.024. Epub 2019 Mar 22. PMID: 30921630